Football Wildcats defeat St. Louis squad 34-12

Thursday, September 27, 2007By George Ulmer

The Cassville Wildcats won yet another contest last Friday night with a 34-12 finish against Miller Career Academy. The Wildcats almost pulled off a repeat. If not for a missed extra-point and last second touchdown, Cassville's score would have been identical to last year's when the visiting team from St. Louis fell 35-6.

Cassville took the lead early in Friday night's ball game. The Wildcats blocked a punt in the end zone and then recovered for a touchdown. Ryan Rowley blocked the ball and fell on it for the score.

The Wildcats scored again in the first quarter when Jake Nolan went in from eight yards out, making it 13-0 as the extra point was blocked.

Cassville appeared ready to strike again as the Wildcats just missed a safety and had the Phoenix down at their one-yard line, but the visiting team's half-back tore through Cassville's front line, rocketing 99 yards for a touchdown. Miller Career missed the extra point, leaving the game at 13-6.

Neither team could get much going in the second quarter and so the score at the half was 13-6.

Cassville came out in the third quarter and took control. Lane Stubblefield capped off a drive by Cassville with a four-yard touchdown run to make it 19-6.

Jacob Gouvion then blocked a punt in the end zone that was ruled a safety.

The Wildcats added to their lead in the fourth as Nolan and Danny Naugle reached on runs of six and five yards respectively, giving Cassville a 34-6 lead.

Miller Career scored once more, driving the ball the length of the field and hitting a receiver in the end zone as time expired, leaving the score 34-12.

Cassville, much as they did in their first matchup with Miller Career, used discipline to neutralize Miller Career's athleticism. The Wildcats got outgained in total yardage 240 to 311 but had only two turnovers as opposed to the Phoenix's four.

Nolan led the offense, scoring twice and amassing 15 yards rushing. Nolan also went three-for-five passing for 38 yards.

Lane Stubblefield was Cassville's only rusher to garner over 50 yards. Stubblefield rushed for 62 and had a touchdown. Naugle also rushed for Cassville and had 40 yards and a touchdown.

Michael Baker was Cassville's only receiver on the evening, catching three passes for 38 yards.

Defensively Ryan Rowley had a career night. Rowley had 4.5 tackles, one for a loss, an interception, a blocked kick and a touchdown.

Ethan Couch also did well, picking up his first interception to go along with 6.5 tackles and a tackle for a loss.

Others who contributed for Cassville were: Brent Elkins, one interception, 6 tackles and a tackle for a loss; Gouvion, a blocked kick, 2.5 tackles and a sack; Cory Howard, his fifth interception and two tackles; Naugle, 3.5 tackles and a tackle for a loss; Stubblefield, five tackles; and Nathan Riehn, two tackles, one for a loss.

Cassville now moves to 4-0 (2-0) on the season. They will play at Aurora this Friday at 7:30 p.m.